Cresswind at Lake Harris
Tavares, Florida
Apalachicola, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Apalachicola
Apalachicola is a small town of a few thousand people on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about an hour south of Tallahassee. This old and wealthy fishing town has a long history due to its location on the rich fishing and oystering areas of the Gulf Coast. Apalachicola has a very interesting downtown with many restored buildings reminiscent of the Old South. For example the Dixie Theater where live performances can be seen. There is a handsome working waterfront with fishing and oystering boats alongside tasty seafood restaurants. The area is famous for its oysters, which some say are the finest in the entire world. Tourists who flock here to see the unspoiled coast. Barrier islands like St. Georges and St. Vincents help to make this a special place. Don't miss our short video of Apalachicola (x out the initial box, then scroll down on the list of videos)
Where to Retire in Apalachicola and Home Prices
Apalachicola has a large area of historic restored homes and bed and breakfasts along Spanish Moss draped tree-lined streets. It is easy to walk downtown from this charming area.
The median home value in Apalachicola was about $186,740, in early 2021, according to Zillow. (the town is so small the numbers will never be too smooth).
What Is Special about Apalachicola
Apalachicola is an historic old town on one of the loveliest stretches of beaches and coast in all of Florida. Nearby Sand Island, St. Georges Island, and St. Vincent's Island offer a more relaxed setting for people who want to live on the beach. Apalachicola physician Dr. John Gorrie discovered the cold-air process of refrigeration and patented an ice machine in 1850 - not because he wanted to keep fish cold, but because he was trying to reduce the fevers of his patients. The Gibson Inn (see photo) is a restored local landmark. "Sports Afield" named Apalachicola one of America's 50 Best Outdoor Sports Towns. Fly fishing in "skinny water" is very popular.
What Is Not Special about Apalachicola
It is remote and small, with Tallahassee being just over an hour away - the only town of any size for a long ways.
Who Will Like Retirement in Apalachicola
People who like old and charming small towns in a coastal environment will like Apalachicola. It particularly appeals to folks who love fishing,boating, and going to the beach.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism and fishing are important to the economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Apalachicola is on the Gulf Coast of Florida in the elbow of the state as it transitions from a north-south orientation to east-west. The average January temperature is in the low 50's, whereas the July high is typically in the low 80's.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
One of the nicest things about Apalachicola is the number of very good restaurants (most of them for seafood) in the downtown. The Dixie Theatre is an Equity Theatre and the leading local cultural attraction of Franklin County. There is a very nice independent book store in town, Downtown Books and Purl. There are a number of festivals including a Tour of Homes in the 2.5 sq.mi. Historic District, a Chef's Sampler, Antique Boat & Car Show, and Plein Air Paintout. The St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, and Orman House State Park are among the local attractions.
Crime
The crime rate is low in Apalachicola.
Medical facilities
The George E Weems Memorial Hospital serves Apalachicola.
Transportation
Although Apalachicola is reached primarily by boat or small coastal highway, the good news is that there is a new airport nearby, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, which is served by Southwest Airlines.
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